They bid on items. They raised their paddles. They enjoyed the company of friends, parents, and alumni to raise money for an institution that impacts nearly 1000 young men from around the tri-state area. A record-breaking 541 attendees, event sponsors, underwriters, and journal advertisers made this past Saturday's Igniting Our Mission - A Celebration of Fordham Prep to support Fordham Prep's iSTEAM and tuition assistance programs an unequivocal success, raising $410,000 (net) for both programs.

The evening started with Mass at the Fordham University Church, celebrated by Fordham Prep President Rev. Christopher Devron, SJ with Fordham Prep teacher Fr. Raymond Sweitzer, SJ serving as a co-celebrant. After Mass, the attendees filed into the lobby and Commons where began a night of food and frivolity. Attendees toasted the Prep with a signature drink, the Full Steam Ahead and took a spin with one of the school's five operational flight simulators. They listened intently as the Prep's faculty, staff, and students demonstrated equipment used throughout the iSTEAMprogram. Attendees were entertained by enthusiastic auctioneer and emcee, Bruce Beck, who was back for the second year in a row. They closed out the evening dancing to the music of The Artie Stuart Band. Guests were also treated to the world premier of this year's student-produced video, The JUG Club.

"The number of parents, alumni, and friends who came together to support Fordham Prep and iSTEAM was inspiring," said Fordham Prep Science teacher John Haag '84, P '14, '17. "It was a truly remarkable event to see so many people enthused about the students and their work." Haag demonstrated Hoberman spheres during the event, building and programming each one to open and close every ten seconds.

Fordham Prep alumni parent Patti Ann Cunningham P '19 agreed. "It was a fabulous night! Coming to this event is a tradition we look forward to keeping for many years to come. Everyone had a blast!"

When it came to IOM, Katrina O'Connor P '20, '22 was effusive in her praise. "The night was a success! Regardless of what the final numbers are, there were so many individual moments that reminded me what a strong and vibrant community we are, all coming together for our boys and their beloved school."

Thank you to all the parents, alumni and friends who so generously supported our "Party at the Prep" - our students appreciate your support!